Malbec

History of the grape: Some believe Malbec is named after a Hungarian peasant who spread plantings along the French countryside (Janos Malbec-seed, perhaps?). But modern day oenologist Pierre Galet suggests that it was originally called “Côt” and Malbec may perhaps be a name given to it when it was grown in Burgundy. Regardless, the varietal was once one of the most popular grapes grown in France. However, it is very sensitive to frost and coulure (breaking apart), and after a particularly harsh winter in 1956, plantings of Malbec in France are now mostly limited to Southwest France, particularly in Cahors, and to the Medoc in Bordeaux, where it is a blending grape.

Malbec has become the star red attraction in Argentina, where it is often produced in a lush, fruity style. Some parts of the country were resistant Read more »

Name of varietal: Malbec

Common synonyms: Côt, Auxerrois, Pressac, Vesparo, Malbeck

Parentage of the grape: indigenous to France

History of the grape: Some believe Malbec is named after a Hungarian peasant who spread plantings along the French countryside (Janos Malbec-seed, perhaps?). But modern day oenologist Pierre Galet suggests that it was originally called “Côt” and Malbec may perhaps be a name given to it when it was grown in Burgundy. Regardless, the varietal was once one of the most popular grapes grown in France. However, it is very sensitive to frost and coulure (breaking apart), and after a particularly harsh winter in 1956, plantings of Malbec in France are now mostly limited to Southwest France, particularly in Cahors, and to the Medoc in Bordeaux, where it is a blending grape.

Malbec has become the star red attraction in Argentina, where it is often produced in a lush, fruity style. Some parts of the country were resistant to the Phlloxera epidemic, allowing some vines to grow without the need for grafting. Wines made from these very old vines are highly sought after for their concentrated structure. In Mendoza, some of the most distinguished Malbec is produced from plantings in dizzingly high vineyards in the foothills of the Andes, where hot days and cool evenings allow for a long growing season and precise acid to alcohol balance in the grapes.

In other parts of the world, such as parts of the US, Malbec is rising in popularity as modern growing techniques have adapted to its persnickety growing needs.

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In case you missed out on our most recent Virtual Tasting, we enjoyed a stellar lineup of Malbec-based wines with Nora Favelukes, the U.S. representative of the Wines of Argentina. Just in time for Malbec World Day, April 17th, take advantage of all th...

Will Malbec's rise in popularity be enough to take down legendary champion Cabernet Sauvignon?
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Big and Burly Malbec - blend. Cannot remember much about it, for I had it quite a few months ago, but seem to remember that it was similar to these tasting notes from Wine Advocate...'The very showy, open and aromatic nose is very balsamic and spicy wi...

Tight and focussed red fruit aromas of black cherry and blackberry are quite inviting and come with a fuller spice character broadening the appeal with notes of cinnamon and black pepper. Quite rich and full in the mouth, with deep blackberry fruit, bl...

Friggin' wonderful - full, chewy, dark berry fruits, pepper, chocolate, oak and forest floor all framed with an excellent balance between tannins and acidity. This can sit for another 2-3 yrs but can be enjoyed now. 91 points Paul

Boy was this ever good. Rich, lush blackberry, dark cherry, damson plum, spice and pepper lead to a well balanced tannic/acid profile that leads to a nice pop at the end. A short but taut aftertaste finishes the wine. Drink now - Paul 91 points

exciting and alive. keep it open for a while but don't waste your time decanting it. it's old and smelly and a real treat. I don't recommend sharing it with friends who are overly sensitive about "corked" bottles, as the funkiness of this stuff can be mistaken as "off" by someone with different tastes.
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